By Bill Lynch, Charleston Gazette-Mail
Despite encouragement from Gov. Jim Justice to move forward, concerns were raised about the safety of Bridge Day returning in 2021, bringing with it tens of thousands of visitors to Fayette County.
The Bridge Day Commission voted 4-2 Wednesday to hold Bridge Day, set for Oct. 16. The vote was held Wednesday afternoon in Fayette County at an in-person and virtual meeting that included the commission, several advisers and members of the public.
Crowds at Bridge Day, held annually since 1980 at the New River Gorge Bridge on U.S. 19 north of Fayetteville, have been reported as high as 100,000 people.
Fayette Sheriff Mike Fridley expressed concern about crowd size, the potential for COVID-19 infection and the effect that might have on his department’s ability to serve Fayette County after the festival.
Kevin Walker, the director of emergency services in Fayette County, worried about further taxing an already stressed emergency medical services system, saying he thinks having Bridge Day is “a very high risk” and that it could put citizens and the county’s public safety partners in jeopardy.
Bryan Parsons, director of transportation with Fayette County Schools, who coordinates bus transportation for the festival, said Bridge Day is looking at a driver shortage…
